Pure Swedish

Swedish massage consists of a specific set of massage movements: effleurage, or sliding movements; petrissage, or kneading movements; friction, or rubbing; vibration and percussion. It traditionally also includes passive and active joint movements, stretching and bending joints with the assistance of the massage therapist.

Swedish massage increases the circulation of blood and lymph, which has the result of cleaning and nourishing soft tissues–the skin and muscle. It lengthens and relaxes the superficial muscles and stimulates peristalsis in the intestines.